Saving lives on and off the battlefield.

Medical specialists work firsthand with other medics and doctors to treat combat emergencies, stabilize wounded Soldiers and prepare them for evacuation. Medics are trained in triage, CPR, basic life support and emergency techniques.

The medical field also offers opportunities to conduct clinical tests as a laboratory specialist or dental assistant. During peacetime, Guard medical specialists offer much-needed international humanitarian and emergency response to the victims of local disaster.

BONUSES AND LOANS
Most medical specialties offer financial incentives so you can earn more.

Figure out power and space requirements for medical equipment installations

Install medical equipment

Prepare and submit medical equipment reports

TRAININGTen weeks of Basic Combat Training and 41 weeks of Advanced Individual Training, including practice in repairing and replacing equipment parts. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part in the field.

Advanced Individual Training: 41 weeks at Fort Sam Houston, TX

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

Principles of electronics

Use and maintenance of electrical and electronic test equipment

Equipment repair exercises

HELPFUL SKILLS

Experience working with electronic equipment

Interest in mathematics and solving problems

High attention to detail

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)Electronics (EL): 107

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK670A Health Services Maintenance Technician

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSThe skills you learn will help prepare you for a career as an electronic instrument repairer with commercial manufacturing, medical research and satellite communications firms—or even airline companies.

Through your extensive Army training and some additional study, you may also qualify for International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians certification as a Certified Electronics Technician, Associate Level; or a Certified Electronics Technician, Journeyman Level-Medical.

OVERVIEWThe operating room specialist assists the nursing staff in preparing the patient and the operating room environment for surgery and for providing assistance to the medical staff during surgical procedures. They also operate the centralized material service and are responsible for preparing and maintaining sterile medical supplies and special equipment for medical treatment facilities.

JOB DUTIES

Provide assistance to the medical staff during surgical procedures to include the creation and maintenance of sterile fields for surgical procedures

Assist in preparing patients and operating room environment for surgery

Perform various preoperative and postoperative procedures as directed; this does not include the manipulation of tissue (e.g., cutting, suturing, cannulating, grafting, sawing or drilling)

Responsible for the sterilization process, which includes inspecting, cleaning, assembling, warping and sterilizing equipment

Ability to communicate effectively and work under stressful conditions

Interest in chemistry, biology, psychology, general science and algebra

High attention to detail

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)Skilled Technical (ST): 91

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSThe skills you learn will help prepare you for a future with hospitals, clinics, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. With an operating room specialist background, you may consider a career as a medical assistant, medication aide or physician assistant.

After completing your Advanced Individual Training as an operating room specialist, you may pursue certification as a certified surgical technologist.

TRAININGTen weeks of Basic Combat Training and eight weeks of Advanced Individual Training, including practicing dental care tasks. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part in the field.

Advanced Individual Training: 8 weeks at Fort Sam Houston, TX

Some of the skills you'll learn are:

Preventive dentistry

Dental office procedures

Radiology (X-ray) techniques

Dental hygiene procedures

HELPFUL SKILLS

Interest in biology and chemistry

Enjoy helping others

Good hand-eye coordination

Ability to follow spoken instructions and detailed procedures

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)Skilled Technical (ST): 91

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSThe skills you learn will help prepare you for a future at dental offices or clinics. You’ll be qualified to assist dentists in the treatment of patients, as well as provide support as a dental assistant or dental hygienist.

With your extensive Army training and some additional study, you may qualify for certification with either the American Medical Technologists as a registered dental assistant or with the Dental Assisting National Board as a certified dental assistant.

OVERVIEWThe patient administrator specialist is primarily responsible for supervising and performing administrative duties in the patient administration division of an Army hospital or other medical facility.

JOB DUTIES

Compile data and prepare required statistical reports

Initiate correspondence pertaining to medical records, medical board proceedings, line of duty investigations, and other records and reports pertaining to patient administration

Apply knowledge of medical terminology as it applies to anatomy and physiology

Maintain a medical record-tracking system within the medical treatment facility

TRAININGTen weeks of Basic Combat Training and six weeks of Advanced Individual Training, including practice in various office functions.

Advanced Individual Training: 6 weeks, 3 days at Fort Sam Houston, TX

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

English grammar, spelling and punctuation

Typing and clerical skills

Setting up and maintaining filing and publication systems

Preparing forms and correspondence in military style

HELPFUL SKILLS

Ability to keep organized and accurate records

Interest in English, mathematics, business administration and typing

Preference for office work

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S) Clerical (CL): 90

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSYour Army training will be extremely valued in positions such as clerk typists, secretaries, general office clerks, administrative assistants or office managers—whether it’s as a hospital administrator or in another corporate environment.

With your extensive Army training and some additional study, you may qualify for certification with the American Medical Technologists as a registered medical assistant.

Understanding of optical laboratory procedures sufficient to completely fabricate and dispense prescription military eyewear in both office and field environments

HELPFUL SKILLS

Interest in biology, chemistry and industrial arts

Proficiency with precision tools and instruments

High attention to detail

Adept at following detailed instructions and work procedures

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)General Maintenance (GM): 98

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSThe skills you learn will help prepare you for a career as an optical laboratory technician, an optician or an ophthalmic laboratory technician in optical laboratories or retail optical offices.

Through your extensive Army training, additional study and two years of recommended experience, you may qualify to take the National Opticianry Competency Exam, which will allow you to possibly pursue a career as an optician.

TRAININGTen weeks of Basic Combat Training and two weeks of Advanced Individual Training, including practice in handling and storing stock.

Advanced Individual Training: 6 weeks at Fort Sam Houston, TX

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

Stock control and accounting procedures

Procedures for shipping, receiving, storing and issuing stock

Understanding the handling of medical and food supplies

HELPFUL SKILLS

Interest in mathematics, bookkeeping, accounting, business administration and typing

Ability to keep accurate records

Enjoy physical work

Interest in operating forklifts and other warehouse equipment

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)Clerical (CL): 90

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK920A Property Accounting Technician

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSThe skills you’ll learn will help prepare you for a career as a stock control clerk, parts clerk or storekeeper with factories, repair shops, department stores, and government warehouses and stockrooms.

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSThe skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with privately owned laboratories, hospitals, clinics or research institutions.

The certifications available to you after continued study and experience are medical laboratory technician, cytotechnologist and clinical laboratory technician. Specific educational criteria must be met before you can qualify for certification.

OVERVIEWThe nutrition care specialist works with registered dietitians (RDs) to counsel patients individually and in group settings, plans special diets for patients according to nutritional requirements, creates menus, and prepares small-quantity foods.

JOB DUTIES

Performs basic dietetic functions in a hospital, clinic or field environment

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSThe skills you’ll learn will help prepare you for a career within civilian hospitals, weight management clinics, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. With a nutrition care specialist background, you may consider a career as a dietetic technician, dietary manager, nutrition technician, clinical dietetic technician or dietary aide.

Through your extensive Army medical training, real-world experiences and with some additional study, you may be able to test for certification as an Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals' certified dietary manager (CDM) or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ dietetic technician, registered (DTR) credential.

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSThe skills you learn will help prepare you for a career as an X-ray technologist or a nuclear medicine technologist with hospitals, diagnostic clinics and medical laboratories.

The certifications available to you after continued study and experience are registered technologist (radiography) and registered technologist (nuclear medicine technologist). Specific educational criteria must be met before you can qualify for certification.

TRAININGTen weeks of Basic Combat Training and 15 weeks of Advanced Individual Training, which includes on-the-job instruction and practice in testing specimens.

Advanced Individual Training: 15 weeks at Fort Sam Houston, TX

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

Sanitation inspection procedures

Understanding of parasites and diseases affecting humans

Bacteriological analysis of potable water

HELPFUL SKILLS

Interest in biology, chemistry and algebra

Ability to follow detailed procedures precisely

Interest in scientific and technical work

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)Skilled Technical (ST): 101

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK640A Veterinary Services Technician

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSThe skills you learn will help prepare you for a future with privately owned research institutions, public health departments and the environmental sciences professions.

Through your extensive Army training and some additional study, you may be able to qualify for certification as a registered environmental health specialist/registered sanitarian and certified radiation protection technologist. Specific educational criteria must be met before you can qualify for certification.

OVERVIEWThe respiratory specialist is primarily responsible for helping with the management of a respiratory unit by administering respiratory therapy and performing pulmonary function tests under the supervision of a physician or nurse anesthetist. The respiratory specialist is strictly an advanced-level position.

Ability to communicate effectively and work under stressful conditions

Interest in chemistry, biology, psychology, general science and algebra

High attention to detail

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)Skilled Technical (ST): 102

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSThe skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with hospitals, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. With a respiratory specialist background, you may consider a career as an emergency medical technician, a medical assistant, a medication aide or a physician assistant.

With continued study and experience, you may qualify for certification as a National Board for Respiratory Care respiratory therapist.

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSThe skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with civilian hospitals, clinics, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. With a health care specialist background, you may consider a career as an emergency medical technician, medical assistant, medication aide or physician assistant.

With continued study and experience, you may qualify for certification with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians as a first responder.

Ability to communicate effectively and work under stressful conditions

Interest in chemistry, biology, psychology, general science and algebra

High attention to detail

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S) Skilled Technical (ST) : 101 Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

COMPENSATION Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

EDUCATION BENEFITS In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with hospitals, clinics, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. With a mental health specialist background, you may consider a career as a psychiatrist’s assistant, a medical assistant or a physician’s aide.

PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH SUCCESS (PAYS) PROGRAM Those interested in this job may be eligible for civilian employment, after the Army, by enrolling in the Army PaYS program. The PaYS program is a recruitment option that guarantees a job interview with military friendly employers that are looking for experienced and trained Veterans to join their organization.

OVERVIEWAs an Army veterinary officer, you can practice in three primary areas: animal medicine, veterinary public health, and research and development. You will be responsible for treating government-owned animals and the valued pets of service members and their families.

Army Veterinary Corps officers are also responsible for programs ensuring the safety and security of Department of Defense food supplies, both here and abroad. Approximately one-third of Veterinary Corps officers are involved in research and development in an incredible range of focus areas, from basic breast cancer research to vaccine development.

Many times, Army veterinarians deliver public health programs around the world such as vaccination programs in Ecuador, teaching Thai veterinary technicians, or supporting foot and mouth disease eradication efforts in Mongolia.

JOB DUTIES

Command and control Veterinary Corps units during emergency and nonemergency medical situations

Coordinate employment of Veterinary Corps officers at all levels of command in U.S. and multinational operations

TRAININGAs an Army Medical Department officer, you won’t participate in Basic Combat Training. Instead, you’ll attend the Officer Basic Course, a basic orientation course to the Army healthcare system and the Army way of life. Your training time depends on your chosen specialty and whether or not you have prior military experience. You must also meet height and weight standards, as well as pass the Army Physical Fitness Test.

HELPFUL SKILLS

Self-discipline

Physical fitness

Ability to perform under physical and mental pressures

Ability to make decisions quickly and on your own

FUTURE CIVILAN CAREERSBeing an officer in the Army Veterinary Corps, you will have the same qualifications to practice in your specialty in the civilian world.

OVERVIEWNurse Corps officers lead a nursing team that cares for Soldiers and their families. As part of the Army Nurse Corps, they play an important role in improving the overall quality of life for Soldiers and their families.

JOB DUTIES

Organize resources for patients and their families for help with inpatient, outpatient and home care

Command a shift on a nursing unit that is part of a field hospital or for an installation medical activity

Supervise all nursing care during your shift at all levels of command

TRAININGJob training for a Nurse Corps officer includes completing an Officer Basic Leadership Course, which introduces you to the Army healthcare system, Army doctrine and basic Soldier/leader skills.

HELPFUL SKILLS

Ability to make accurate, immediate decisions

Ability to perform under stress

Application of critical technical and thinking skills

Tremendous concentration

FUTURE CIVILAN CAREERSThe U.S. Army provides generous education loan-repayment programs, residency programs and continuing education opportunities to support your continued career growth and development.

OVERVIEWArmy Dental Corps officers are responsible for the dental health of Soldiers and their families. They are also responsible for providing healthcare to Soldiers’ families and others eligible to receive this care in the military community.

During combat, the Dental Corps officer assists in the emergency medical management of casualties.

Within the Army Dental Corps, you can specialize in the following areas: comprehensive dentistry, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and periodontics.

JOB DUTIES

Command and control the Dental Corps units during emergency and nonemergency medical situations

Coordinate employment of Dental Corps officers at all levels of command in U.S. and multinational operations

TRAININGAs a U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) officer, you will not be required to participate in Basic Combat Training that enlisted Soldiers attend. Instead, you'll attend an Officer Basic Leadership Course (OBLC), a basic orientation to the Army healthcare team, Army doctrine, and basic Soldier and leadership skills.

OBLC for Active Duty officers is held four times per year at the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston, TX, and lasts from 10 to 14 weeks. Officers in the Army Reserve attend OBLC for two weeks, and Health Professions Scholarship Program recipients attend a six-week course during their academic training.

Your training time depends on your chosen specialty and whether or not you have prior military experience. You must also meet height and weight standards, as well as pass the Army Physical Fitness Test.

After completing OBLC, AMEDD officers report to their initial Active Duty assignment, and students return to their academic training.

HELPFUL SKILLS

Self-discipline

Physical fitness

Ability to perform under physical and mental pressures

Ability to make decisions quickly and on your own

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSAs you advance through your career, you will be looking for experiences that blend teaching, research and clinical excellence to best prepare you for unique and challenging opportunities. Our dental professionals excel in clinical, research and executive administration arenas. Many have worked in more than one career track throughout their time in the U.S. Army and have held leadership positions ahead of their private sector counterparts. In fact, U.S. Army dental professionals are highly desired candidates for competitive private sector jobs upon leaving the Army.

Command/control the Medical Service Corps units during emergency and nonemergency medical situations

Coordinate employment of Medical Service Corps Soldiers at all levels of command

TRAININGJob training for Medical Service Corps officers includes completing an Officer Basic Leadership Course, which introduces you to the Army healthcare system, Army doctrine and basic Soldier/leader skills.

HELPFUL SKILLS

Ability to make accurate, immediate decisions

Ability to perform under stress

Application of critical technical and thinking skills

Tremendous concentration

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERSThe skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with civilian hospitals, clinics, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. With a medical services background, you may consider a career as an emergency medical technician, medical assistant, medication aide or physician assistant.

With continued study and experience, you may qualify for certification with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians as a first responder.

DUTIESThe veterinary services food safety warrant officer is a highly specialized officer in the area of food safety and defense. The warrant officer is selected by competitive application from the NCO ranks of designated Army feeder MOSs. Currently only Army NCOs (SGT(P) and higher) who hold the 68R and 68S MOSs are eligible to apply. More detailed and updated information is included in the annual MILPER Message which is normally released in January or February of the recruiting year. Upon selection, warrant officer candidates are sent to the Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) at Fort Rucker, AL. Following completion of this course, they go through an intensive food inspection/science course at Fort Sam Houston, TX (WOBC). Typically an Active Component 640A warrant officer’s first duty station is at an Army MEDCOM/Public Health Command district where they conduct commercial sanitation audits and manage area food safety, defense and quality assurance programs. Reserve Component veterinary food safety officers are typically assigned to MTOE veterinary detachments or as staff officers in MTOE medical brigades or groups. The 640A veterinary food safety officers serve as the commander’s subject matter experts for all matters dealing with food safety and defense.